F1 Fans Back Carlos Sainz's Call for Pundit Stewards; Karun Chandhok Responds

Carlos Sainz's suggestion to incorporate TV pundits and former F1 drivers like Karun Chandhok, Anthony Davidson, and Jolyon Palmer as stewards has garnered significant support from Formula 1 fans. Sainz praised their analytical skills in dissecting race incidents, arguing that their recent racing experience provides a clear understanding of on-track events.

Why it matters:

The ongoing debate surrounding stewarding consistency and the application of driving guidelines highlights a critical need for clearer, more relatable judgments in F1. Integrating former drivers, whose analysis is often lauded for its depth and impartiality, could bridge the gap between technical regulations and the nuanced realities of racing, fostering greater transparency and trust among fans and teams alike.

The Details:

• Sainz's Rationale: Carlos Sainz specifically highlighted the insightful analyses provided by Chandhok, Palmer, and Davidson. He believes their recent experience in F1 allows them to correctly assign blame or identify racing incidents, often without needing rigid guidelines.
• Fan Support: A Reddit discussion revealed widespread fan backing for Sainz's proposal. Many expressed that having these pundits as stewards could lead to better-explained decisions, potentially through post-race breakdowns or podcasts.
  • Comments included sentiments like: "I would feel very comfortable having Ant, Karun and Jolyon as FIA stewards. Easily," and praise for their "illuminating" breakdown segments.
• Pundit's Response: Karun Chandhok responded on X, thanking Sainz and stating he'd be open to working with drivers and stewards for the sport's improvement, but isn't ready to give up his current role.
• Challenges of Stewarding: Some fans acknowledged the immense pressure stewards face, contrasting it with the less strenuous environment of TV analysis. They argued that context matters, and refereeing is inherently difficult, regardless of expertise.

Between the lines:

While Sainz's idea resonates with many, integrating pundits into the official stewarding panel presents practical challenges. Their current roles as media personalities provide a degree of freedom and critical distance that might be compromised if they held official FIA positions. The potential for perceived bias, conflicts of interest, or simply the demanding time commitment of stewarding could be significant hurdles.

What's next:

Sainz's comments reflect a broader desire within the F1 community for more consistent and understandable stewarding. While Chandhok's response indicates an openness to collaboration, a direct shift from punditry to official stewarding roles for these individuals seems unlikely in the short term. However, the discussion may encourage the FIA to explore ways to incorporate more ex-driver perspectives and insights into the stewarding process, potentially through advisory roles or enhanced consultation mechanisms, to improve the quality and perception of race control decisions.